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Home >> Pontiac >> 2007 >> Vibe Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Control System & Fuel System - DTC P0010 To DTC P0128 >> DTC P0116 >> Test Description
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Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. 1:  The Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
  2. 3:  This step checks for a faulty ECT sensor or ECT sensor circuit.
  3. 4:  This step checks the integrity of the ECT sensor input circuit.
  4. 5:  This step checks the integrity of the ECT sensor ground circuit.
  5. 6:  This step checks the integrity of the ECT sensor input circuit.
  6. 11:  A cooling system that prevents the engine from warming up properly and reaching the correct engine operating temperature within a set run time can cause a DTC P0116 to set. A thermostat that stays open slightly can cause a DTC P0116 to set in cold weather when the vehicle is started and let sit while warming up. Replace the thermostat if suspect.
  7. 12:  This step determines if DTC P0116 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition.
DTC P0116

Step Action Values Yes No
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics
Connector End View Reference:  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views  or  Engine Controls Connector End Views 
1  Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? - Go to Step 2  Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle
2 Check for DTC P0115 with a scan tool.
Is DTC P0115 set?		 - Go to DTC P0115  Go to Step 3 
3 
  1. Measure the actual coolant temperature.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool.
Is the ECT sensor value displayed near the actual coolant temperature?		 - Go to Step 11  Go to Step 4 
4 
  1. Disconnect the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor electrical connector.
  2. Observe the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool.
Does the engine coolant temperature equal the specified value?		 -40°C (-40°F) Go to Step 5  Go to Step 8 
5 
  1. Disconnect the ECT sensor electrical connector.
  2. Jump the ECT sensor input circuit and the ground circuit together at the ECT sensor harness connector.
  3. Observe the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool.
Does the engine coolant temperature equal the specified value?		 140°C (284°F) Go to Step 13  Go to Step 6 
6 
  1. Jump the ECT sensor input circuit to chassis ground.
  2. Observe the ECT sensor parameter on the scan tool.
Does the engine coolant temperature equal the specified value?		 140°C (284°F) Go to Step 7  Go to Step 8 
7 Repair the open or high resistance in the ECT sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .
Is the action complete?		 - Go to Step 14  Go to Step 9 
8
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM) electrical connector C3.
  3. Check the ECT sensor input circuit for a short or a high electrical resistance.
  4. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .
Was a repair necessary?		 - Go to Step 14  Go to Step 9 
9
  1. Check for a faulty connection at the PCM and the ECT electrical connectors.
  2. Repair as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?		 - Go to Step 14  Go to Step 10 
10 Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.
Is the action complete?		 - Go to Step 14  -
11 
  1. Inspect the engine cooling system for any of the following conditions:
    • A faulty thermostat
    • A low coolant level
    • An incorrect coolant
    • Any faulty cooling system operation
  2. Repair as necessary.
Was a repair necessary?		 - Go to Step 14  Go to Step 12 
12 
  1. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.
  2. Place the vehicle into Check Mode, using the scan tool.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions as specified.
Does DTC P0116 set?		 - Go to Step 13  Go to Diagnostic Aids
13 Replace the ECT sensor. Refer to Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement .
Is the action complete?		 - Go to Step 14  -
14
  1. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function and road test the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions that set the DTC.
  2. Review the scan tool data and check for DTCs. The repair is complete if no DTCs are stored.
Are any DTCs displayed on scan tool?		 - Go to Step 15  Go to Step 2 
15 With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.
Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?		 - Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle System OK
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